For youth interested in wildlife and the outdoors, one way to have fun this
summer will be to attend one or several outdoor resource-related camps available
this summer.

Quail Unlimited COVEY Kids Camp

The Oklahoma State Council of Quail Unlimited wants to provide the state’s
youth with a quality outdoor experience through its COVEY Kids Camp.

"COVEY stands for Conserving Outdoors Values by Educating Youth,"
said Bob Hayes, camp chairman. "The camp is designed to help ensure that
the next generation of sportsmen and conservationists will have the opportunity
to experience all aspects of the great outdoors. Oklahoma’s camp has been
recognized as the best camp in the nation at the Quail Unlimited National
Convention.

According to Hayes, the camp will occur June 3-8 and is open to youths ages
13-16. The camp will be located at Camp Redlands, just outside Stillwater. Those
attending the camp will be involved in a number of outdoor activities including
completing the Oklahoma State University Out-door Challenge Course.

Participants will also experience hunting philosophy, ecosystems management,
hunter safety/ethics and quail habitat management. They will have hands-on
involvement with taxidermy, sporting clays, archery and muzzleloading.

Other hands on activities will involve cleaning and cooking quail and dog
care and training. Those who chose will also have the opportunity to become
hunter safety qualified.

Those interested in attending the camp need to apply by May 15. Cost for the
camp is $250, which includes all expenses. In 2000, of the 29 campers, nearly
all were sponsored totally or partially by Quail Unlimited chapters.

The U.S. Census Bureau is preparing to begin interviewing people for the 2001
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will sponsor the survey which will begin
April 1. The survey is conducted every five years and provides the only
comprehensive statistical data available related to participation and
expenditures on hunting, fishing, birdwatching and other wildlife-related
recreation.

"This survey provides very valuable information," said Andrea
Crews, responsive management specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. "It identifies participation demands and trends and the
expenditures involved with wildlife-related activities. The Department can use
this information to better serve the sportsmen and citizens of Oklahoma."

Crews added that the survey is also a very good resource for the Department
of Tourism and Recreation, other conservation groups and manufacturers of
outdoor-related gear and equipment.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and all responses are confidential
so participants can not be identified from information they release. Most survey
interviews will be conducted by the telephone, however, interviews will be
conducted in person if participants can not be reached by phone.

The survey will be paid for with funds from the Sport Fish and Wildlife
Restoration Act. Initially, interviews should involve around 80,000 households
across the nation. Follow-up interviews will also be conducted this September
and in January, 2002.

Survey updates will be available on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s
home page at http://fa.r9.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html and final results will be
available in the fall of 2002.

1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Results

Number of Hunters in Oklahoma 297,000

Number of Anglers in Oklahoma 924,000

Number of Wildlife Watchers in Oklahoma 947,000

Money Spent Hunting $446 Million

Money Spent Fishing $490 Million

Money Spent Wildlife Watching $201 Million

Total Ripple Effect on State Economy $2.3 Billion

Recreationist may participate in multiple activities

Fishing is a great spring
activity

Old
man winter is slowly losing its grasp on the Sooner state, and just
like the weather, fishing is warming up, offering sportsmen an escape
from cabin fever.

"Water
levels are up in some areas of the state due to recent rains, but that
isn’t slowing fishing down any," said Barry Bolton, assistant
chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Fish
Division. "We have good reports coming in for a variety of
species from most of our lakes. It is also hard to beat the action
many anglers experience in farm ponds this time of year.

"Farm
ponds are a good bet early in the year, but don’t forget to obtain
permission to fish from the landowner. The fish are responding to
increasing water temperatures, which usually rise quicker than they do
in larger bodies of water. Of course, temperatures are also rising
slowly in many of our rivers and lakes, and good fishing will only get
better as those temps continue to rise."

Fishing
is a great way to escape from the house and spend time enjoying the
spring weather and the beauty of Oklahoma’s outdoors. Ponds,
streams, rivers and lakes provide Oklahoma’s sportsmen ample
opportunity for a good fishing experience. Many of these bodies of
water occur in the most scenic areas of the state, offering anglers a
chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors when the action
slows down.

"It
is easy to enjoy a day of fishing," Bolton said. "The state
is blessed with thousands of acres of fishable waters and there is
excellent access to these areas, whether fishing from a boat or from
the bank. You can enjoy some great fishing with very basic equipment,
so there isn’t any reason not to get out and enjoy the
opportunity."

Before
heading out, anglers should consult the 2001 Oklahoma Fishing Guide
for specific species and area regulations as well as license
requirements. The guides are available at fishing and hunting license
vendors across the state or by logging on to the Department’s
website atwww.wildlifedepartment.com/fishregs2.htm.

Either way, the April 15 deadline for tax forms is quickly approaching and
with it also comes the opportunity to make a refund donation to wildlife
conservation on line 58 of the state tax form. The refund check-off provides
vital funding to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Wildlife
Diversity Program.

"Tax refund donations have been a very popular way for individuals to
support wildlife conservation," said Julian Hilliard, natural resources
information specialist with the Wildlife Department. "It is easy to do, and
participants can donate part or all of their refund. By sharing their refund,
they help protect our state's biological diversity.

"Without tax check-off donations, we would have a hard time continuing
many of our projects. The Wildlife Diversity Program funds and performs surveys
of rare and endangered species, produces a variety of wildlife-related brochures
and guides, coordinates wildlife-viewing events throughout the state, and helps
establish new places and opportunities through which the public can enjoy
wildlife."

The Wildlife Department is funded by the sale of hunting and fishing
licenses, federal excise taxes placed on hunting and fishing equipment and by
private donations. The Department does not receive any general state tax
appropriations. Oklahomans concerned about wildlife conservation are urged to
make a refund donation on line 58 of their state tax form this year.

Another way to support the Wildlife Diversity Program and show support for
wildlife is by purchasing a $25 Wildlife Conservation License Plate. Four
attractive designs of the popular license plates are available at your local tag
agent. Direct donations can also be made out to: Wildlife Diversity Program,
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln, OKC, OK 73105.

Contact the Wildlife Diversity Program at 405/521-4616 for more information
or visit the Department's web-site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

The three-year-old cooperative agreement between Weyerhaeuser Company and
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) to maintain public
recreation access to more than 450,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser-owned land in
McCurtain County was celebrated by officials with both groups at a recent
meeting in Broken Bow.

The historic agreement specifies that public hunting, fishing, camping and
other outdoor activities will be allowed as long as both parties are satisfied
with the success of the cooperative venture. Approved in May 1998 by the
Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Wildlife Department’s
governing body, the access agreement specifies that anyone hunting, fishing,
camping, canoeing or otherwise recreating on Three Rivers Wildlife Management
Area (almost all of Weyerhaeuser’s 450,000 acres lands in Oklahoma) must
purchase a land access permit, which is $16 a year for residents and $25 a year
for nonresidents.

"We applaud Weyerhaeuser Company for its commitment to preserving a way
of life for thousands of local hunters and anglers, not to mention the thousands
of other outdoor enthusiasts whose quality of life depends on maintaining access
to these lands," said Greg Duffy, executive director of the Wildlife
Department. "Sportsmen also deserve some key recognition for helping ensure
the continued success of the agreement. By using the lands responsibly and
promptly reporting illegal activity, outdoor enthusiasts have contributed to
this great partnership success story."

Prior to the 1998 agreement, Weyerhaeuser had been reviewing its open lands
policy for several years, seeking ways to reduce arson, dumping, vandalism and
other illegal activities on its holdings. At the same time, the company desired
to continue allowing legitimate public recreational uses such as hunting,
camping, fishing, canoeing and hiking.

"We are very pleased with how our partnership with ODWC is
working," said Jimmy Tucker, manager of Weyerhaeuser’s Kiamichi Tree
Farm. "As the Three Rivers WMA agreement has matured, we are seeing
improvements to several of the land use issues. ODWC is making a solid effort to
keep the agreement active and successful for both parties, and for the people of
southeast Oklahoma."

Under terms of the access agreement, the Wildlife Department conducts fish
and wildlife surveys on Three Rivers WMA, make habitat management
recommendations, conduct habitat enhancement projects including closing and
seeding some roads to provide additional forage for wildlife and creating
walk-in hunting opportunities.

Department personnel also collect and administer land access permit fees with
funds dedicated to enhancing fish and wildlife habitat on Weyerhaeuser property.
Increased patrolling and investigation of illegal activity on Three Rivers WMA
also is part of the Department’s commitment.

For its part, Weyerhaeuser has agreed to keep most of its Oklahoma holdings
open to public outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing and trapping.
Additionally, the company assists Department personnel in improving fish and
wildlife habitat, through such activities as managing its streamside zones to
minimize disturbances along creeks. The company also provides maps of its lands
to the Department, which are distributed to the public.

Land access permits also entitle holders to use Honobia Creek Wildlife
Management Area, a 275,000-acre area in Pushmataha and LeFlore counties. Honobia
Creek WMA was created through a similar cooperative access agreement with John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, another large corporate landowner in
southeast Oklahoma. The agreement between the Department and Hancock for
continued access on Honobia Creek WMA was enacted in 1995.

Permits can be purchased at any hunting and fishing license dealer statewide,
and area maps are available through the Wildlife Department or locally in stores
and businesses near Honobia Creek and Three Rivers WMAs. The only persons who
are exempt from having to purchase the permit are residents under 18 years of
age or 64 years of age and older.

Sportsmen who wish to submit applications for more than 1,000 controlled
hunts offered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation can now do so
over the Internet.

"The on-line system not only makes it easier for sportsmen to apply for
hunts, but it also helps ensure they submit an accurate application" said
Melinda Sturgess, Chief of Administration for the Wildlife Department. "We
believe the system is very user friendly and simplifies the application
procedure. The Department is also able to process the applications much easier
and at a lower cost, which is a benefit to the state’s sportsmen.

"We were the first state wildlife management agency to allow
constituents to apply on-line. The initial introduction to the process took
place last year and was very popular. Overall, about 45 percent of the
applicants used the on-line system last year, and we expect even more to take
advantage of the system this year."

Sturgess said there are several advantages to applying on-line for the
controlled hunts. The system eliminates concern about lost applications and the
program lets applicants know immediately if their application was accepted.

The system will not accept any applications that are incomplete or show
discrepancies, and will alert the applicant to check the information provided if
something isn’t correctly filled out. Applicants can confirm the applications
receipt by clicking on the confirmation link provided on the Controlled Hunts
Page.

Those interested in applying for controlled hunts on-line can log on to the
Department’s website at www.wildlifedepartment.com and click on the 2001-2002
Controlled Hunts link. The site will provide all information needed to apply,
including hunt categories and area hunt dates and locations.

Controlled hunts application booklets are also available at Department
installations and license vendors statewide. The deadline for applying is May 4.

Applicants will be able to check drawing results on the Department’s
website beginning July 23. The Department will also post drawing results at its
main office in Oklahoma City and at its regional offices for those who want to
check the results in person.

Break the rods and reels out of winter storage, load up the family and head
to that favorite fishing spot. Whether fishing out of a boat or from the bank,
the opportunities are endless for some great fishing action across the Sooner
State.

"Oklahoma has a lot of water and everyone knows water works
wonders," said Barry Bolton, assistant chief for the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation’s Fish Division. "Fishing is a lot of fun and it
provides a great opportunity to rekindle relationships with friends or family
members. We have received good reports from across the state recently, so it
would be a great time to get in on the action."

To get a jump on the action, take a look at the following species before
heading out.

White Bass

White bass are found in most waters state-wide and they are notorious for
their fighting ability. They will begin spawning runs up many of Oklahoma’s
streams and rivers during March and April. Scattered reports indicate anglers
are catching sand bass that are beginning to run in southern areas of the state.

White bass fishing is also good in most lakes across the state, as the fish
begin to congregate in the mouths of most lake tributaries for their spawning
run. As they stage, anglers can enjoy some very hot action by fishing with
minnows, twister-tail jigs and medium running crankbaits.

Crappie

Crappie fishing around the state continues to improve as the fish begin to
gather before spawning from late-March to early-May. They will continue to
congregate in preparation for the spawn.

To get in on some good action, try fishing minnows and jigs around structure,
10 to 20 feet deep, off gradually sloping shorelines. Don’t be afraid to move
around. Crappie often move in and out of shallow water this time of year,
depending on weather, time of day and water temperature. Try fishing deeper
structure during mornings and evenings and along shady banks while fishing
shallower structure during mid-day on sun-lit banks.

Largemouth Bass

Spring is the best time of year for anglers to catch a trophy largemouth
bass. Two Oklahoma anglers have already caught fish over 14 pounds this year.

Anglers should have good results by fishing flooded timber and other deep
underwater structure with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and plastic worms.
Shiners and goldfish can be good choices as well.

Catfish

Catfish are abundant in streams, rivers and lakes across Oklahoma, and spring
is an excellent time to experience some quality catfishing action.

Some of the best action can be found in Oklahoma’s tributaries by fishing
with shad, liver, worms or cut baits. Whether fishing from a boat or from the
bank, using rods and reels, or limb-lines, look for eddies in these tributaries
and give catfishing a spin.

To find out more about local lakes and what species are biting, check out the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s fishing report by logging on to
the Department’s website at www.wildlifedepartment.com

Old man winter is slowly losing its grasp on the Sooner state, and just like
the weather, fishing is warming up, offering sportsmen an escape from cabin
fever.

"Water levels are up in some areas of the state due to recent rains, but
that isn’t slowing fishing down any," said Barry Bolton, assistant chief
for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Fish Division. "We
have good reports coming in for a variety of species from most of our lakes. It
is also hard to beat the action many anglers experience in farm ponds this time
of year.

"Farm ponds are a good bet early in the year, but don’t forget to
obtain permission to fish from the landowner. The fish are responding to
increasing water temperatures, which usually rise quicker than they do in larger
bodies of water. Of course, temperatures are also rising slowly in many of our
rivers and lakes, and good fishing will only get better as those temps continue
to rise."

Fishing is a great way to escape from the house and spend time enjoying the
spring weather and the beauty of Oklahoma’s outdoors. Ponds, streams, rivers
and lakes provide Oklahoma’s sportsmen ample opportunity for a good fishing
experience. Many of these bodies of water occur in the most scenic areas of the
state, offering anglers a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors
when the action slows down.

"It is easy to enjoy a day of fishing," Bolton said. "The
state is blessed with thousands of acres of fishable waters and there is
excellent access to these areas, whether fishing from a boat or from the bank.
You can enjoy some great fishing with very basic equipment, so there isn’t any
reason not to get out and enjoy the opportunity."

Before heading out, anglers should consult the 2001 Oklahoma Fishing Guide
for specific species and area regulations as well as license requirements. The
guides are available at fishing and hunting license vendors across the state or
by logging on to the Department’s website at www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishregs2.htm.

The Oklahoma State Council of Quail Unlimited has scheduled its 2001 Oklahoma
COVEY (Conserving Outdoors Values by Educating Youth) Kids Camp for June 3-8 at
Camp Redlands, located outside Stillwater.

This camp is designed to help ensure that the next generation of sportsmen
and conservationists will have the same opportunities as all previous
generations to experience all aspects of the great outdoors.

According to COVEY Kids Camp Chairman Bob Hayes, the camp is for youths ages
13-16 and involves hunting philosophy, ecosystems management, hunter
safety/ethics and quail habitat management. Along with safety and wildlife
management courses, the campers will have hands-on involvement with taxidermy,
sporting clays, archery, muzzleloading, cleaning and cooking of quail and
training and care of dogs.

In addition, one day will be devoted to completing the Oklahoma State
University Outdoor Challenge Course. Campers will also have the opportunity to
test to become hunter safety qualified.

"Our first six camps were very successful and we have been recognized as
having the number one camp in the United States at the Quail Unlimited National
Convention," Hayes said. "We have had excellent evaluations from the
youth that have attended the previous camps."

Cost for the camp is $250, which includes all expenses. In 2000, of the 29
campers, nearly all were sponsored totally or partially by Quail Unlimited
chapters.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will hold a standardized
employment examination Friday, March 30, at the Tom Steed Development Center
Auditorium at Rose State College.

The exam is for all individuals seeking full time positions with the
Department as wildlife biologists, game wardens, assistant hatchery managers,
technicians and information and education specialists. It will cover state and
federal wildlife laws and regulations, Oklahoma geography, biological and
environmental sciences relating to fish, wildlife and environmental education
and communication; journalism, photojournalism, technical writing and editing.

Individuals may take the exam once in a 12-month period, and test scores are
valid for 12 months from the test date. Applications for employment will be sent
to the individuals with the top 25 scores. Taking the exam does not guarantee
employment, nor does the exam necessarily indicate the Department currently has
openings. Interviews will be scheduled only when an opening is available.

The Tom Steed Development Center Auditorium is north of I-40 at the
intersection of I-40 and Hudiburg Rd. in Midwest City. The doors will close
promptly at 10 a.m. Those arriving after 10 a.m. will not be permitted to take
the exam.

Two wildlife funding measures are still alive in the Legislature, one that
would provide about $8.5 million from existing sales tax revenues collected on
hunting and fishing equipment and the other that would provide an estimated $3-6
million by levying an additional one-and-a-half cent sales tax increase on
hunting and fishing equipment. Both bills call for a vote of the people to
approve the funding concepts, although only one measure - or a compromise
between the two - is likely to be adopted.

Though constitutionally required to manage the state’s fish and wildlife
resources, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation receives no general
tax appropriations to accomplish its mission. Instead, most of the Department’s
operating funds come from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and a special
federal excise tax that is generated when hunters and anglers purchase sporting
goods. In recent years, however, agency revenue has decreased while operating
costs have risen.

"Oklahoma’s outdoor enthusiasts have always enjoyed a high level of
service from the Wildlife Department, but the current economic climate makes it
increasingly difficult to provide the quality of service our constituents
deserve, and expect," said Greg Duffy, executive director of the Wildlife
Department. "Our personnel and equipment are stretched to the limit, and
without additional funding, we will have to look even more closely at cutting
back or eliminating some programs and services."

Although the Department did not cut its overall budget during the current
fiscal year, the three previous years each witnessed a two-percent cut, leading
to numerous vacancies in agency personnel, among other things. The agency
strives to have at least one state game warden in each county, two in many
counties. Currently, however, three counties no longer have a game warden
stationed in the county, with wardens from neighboring counties assigned to
cover the vacancies.

Of the two current wildlife funding measures active, House Joint Resolution
1008 by Rep. Dale Smith of St. Louis would provide the most revenue. House
analysts estimate HJR 1008 would provide $8.5 million per year for fish and
wildlife conservation and management. Specifically, the joint resolution calls
for a vote of the people to approve annually transferring 25 percent of the
state sales taxes currently paid on hunting, fishing and wildlife watching
equipment to the Wildlife Department. HJR 1008 passed the House March 12 on a
71-24 vote. A provision to hold a special election this August to allow citizens
to vote on the measure did not pass.

"Hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors are vital quality of life
issues," said Rep. Smith. "It is essential that we act now to ensure
the long-term viability of Wildlife Department services and programs. Oklahomans
deserve first-class outdoor recreation, and it is up to us to provide a
financial foundation to see that the opportunities we now enjoy continue into
the future."

The second funding bill, Senate Joint Resolution 9 by Sen. Frank Shurden of
Henryetta, calls for a vote of the people to establish a one-and-a-half cent
sales tax increase on certain hunting, fishing and wildlife watching equipment
with the proceeds going to the Wildlife Department. SJR 9 would provide an
estimated $3-6 million depending on which items are included, and it passed the
Senate March 12 on a 25-17 vote.

"We are pleased to see that fish and wildlife funding is a priority with
both the House and Senate, and are optimistic one of the measures, or compromise
language, will be approved," said Duffy.

Anyone wanting to track the current status of fish and wildlife measures can
log on to the Wildlife Department’s website at www.wildlifedepartment.com
for a complete summary of active legislation. The legislative tracker is updated
daily and also offers a link to the State Legislature.

Spring is quickly approaching and for thousands of Oklahoma sportsmen, the
anticipation is building for the spring turkey season.

Oklahoma’s spring turkey season will open April 6, and will run through May
6, 2001, except for the southeastern counties of Atoka, Choctaw, Coal, Latimer,
LeFlore, McCurtain, Pittsburg and Pushmataha, where the season runs from April
11 to May 1.

"We’re expecting a very good season," said Bill Dinkines, Widlife
Division assistant chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
"Our turkey populations are very healthy across the state. In fact, we have
huntable populations in all 77 counties.

"Eastern turkey populations in Oklahoma have increased significantly
since the early 1990s. We have a very good age-structure in the southeast which
means a good number of mature gobblers. If the weather is decent, I would expect
good gobbling activity throughout the season."

"We’re also in good shape with our Rio Grande turkeys across the
state," agreed Rod Smith, southwest regional Wildlife supervisor. We’ve
had ideal conditions throughout the nesting and brood rearing periods for
several years now, and the birds have responded to those conditions. We have had
good recruitment so we have a lot of mature toms and a good jake crop as
well."

With stable and increasing turkey populations across the state, sportsmen who
head out into Oklahoma’s outdoors should enjoy a good experience this spring.
To hunt turkeys in Oklahoma, hunters must possess a resident or non-resident
Oklahoma hunting license or combination license, as well as a turkey permit.
Lifetime license holders are exempt from having to purchase the turkey permit.

Hunters do not check turkeys taken west of I-35, but all turkeys harvested
east of I-35 must be checked at the nearest hunter check station. For more
information on regulations and bag limits, consult the 2000-2001 Oklahoma
Hunting Guide and Regulations, which are available at hunting and fishing
license vendors across the state or on-line at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Most turkey hunters know that preseason scouting will help lead to a
successful hunt. But, scouting isn’t the only thing that can lead to success.
Remaining patient and comfortable in the woods can often make the difference in
harvesting a wily tom.

For some unknown reason, there are days every year that toms remain silent
and won’t gobble at all. Silent birds are often harder to hunt, but just
because they aren’t calling doesn’t mean they have left the area.

To be successful on these days of silence, hunters should rely on their
scouting knowledge. Remember where the birds have been roosting, traveling and
feeding and select one of these areas to set up in. Be sure to select a dry,
comfortable and safe area and incorporate some sort of seat or cushion in the
set-up.

A decoy or two can be very useful, but any calling should be very light and
done sparingly. Don’t be tempted to move and find other birds. Chances to
harvest silent toms are lost every year when hunters prematurely move to find
better areas.

Remain patient and allow birds to follow their routine. Be alert, ready and
sit as still as possible. A silent gobbler can sneak in to check out a decoy at
any time and movement will send it scurrying in the opposite direction.

A hunt can be very enjoyable when gobbles are booming across the landscape
from every direction. But vocalization doesn’t guarantee success and a hunter
who remains patient, comfortable, ready and alert will find they can often lure
a silent tom within range.

Broken Bow Lake, which produced the current state-record largemouth bass in
1999, has produced another large bass this year. Rodney Shrouder of Broken Bow
caught a 14-pound, 1-ounce largemouth bass while fishing the southeast Oklahoma
Lake on March 5.

"We were pre-fishing for a tournament," Shrouder said. "The
lake was up pretty good, and we were out hitting the brush with our lures. It
was around 8 a.m. and I hooked the fish on a jig in about 15 1/2 feet of water.

"We ran into the park ranger, Steve Lumpkin, on the way back to the
ramp, and he showed us where to have the fish officially weighed. We weighed and
measured the fish around 12:30 p.m. and I was able to release it back into the
lake within the hour."

The bass officially weighed 14.07 pounds (14 pounds, 1-ounce) and was 28
inches long with a 20 -inch girth. The weight places the fish in a tie for third
on Oklahoma’s Top 20 Largemouth Bass List. It was actually a half inch longer
than the current state-record largemouth caught in Broken Bow Lake on March 14,
1999, by angler William Cross. The record fish was 27 1/2 inches long with a 22
3/4-inch girth and weighed 14 pounds, 11-ounces.

Anyone catching a fish they think may be a state record is encouraged to
weigh the fish as quickly as possible on certified scales (usually available at
grocery stores, meat markets, ect.). To be official, a Wildlife Department
employee must witness the weigh-in, and an official state record affidavit must
be submitted.

Recent reports outlining possible changes in Oklahoma City-area fishing
regulations have proven to be somewhat confusing, leading the Wildlife
Department to clarify the proposed rule changes published earlier.

All of the following regulation changes will be effective January 1, 2002,
pending approval by the OKC City Council.

For Lakes Hefner, Draper and Overholser, there would be only three changes
from current fishing regulations. They are lowering the minimum size limit on
smallmouth bass to 18 inches, increasing the daily limit on walleye to five
fish, and restricting bowfishing to daylight hours only.

Also authorized pending City Council approval are provisions to enter into a
cooperative agreement with OKC Parks and Recreation Department to expand fishing
opportunities in many of Oklahoma City’s smaller water bodies. These waters
include Dolese Youth Park Pond, Kid's Lake, Crystal Lake, all waters within the
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, and the North Canadian River extending downstream
from NW 10th Street bridge (including impoundments, ponds and wetlands) to NE
10th Street in Oklahoma City. The new regulations also would apply to South Park
Ponds and Edwards Park Pond, both of which are slated to open in the future.

These smaller water bodies have been designed "Close To Home Fishing
Waters," and will have - again pending City Council approval - the
following regulations:

Species Minimum Size Daily bag limit

All black bass none catch and release only

Channel and blue catfish none six (6) fish (combined)

Crappie none 37

Flathead catfish 20-inch ten (10)

Other none same as state regulations

Bowfishing, trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yo's, gigs, spears, spearguns,
nets, noodling and snagging are prohibited in "Close to Home" fishing
waters, except noodling (fishing with hands only) is permitted in the North
Canadian River from NW 10th Street bridge downstream to MacArthur St. bridge.
Fishing is restricted to no more than three (3) rods or poles per person, with
no more than three (3) hooks per line; provided this restriction does not apply
to artificial lures having more than three hooks.

City ordinances pertaining to fishing and boating permits, boating
regulations, and restricted areas will remain in effect and will be enforced by
the City.

At its regular March meeting, held March 5 in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma
Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to implement a number of hunting and
fishing regulation changes that were discussed at public hearings in January.

The hunting regulation changes, most of which were housekeeping measures or
minor changes relating to specific wildlife management areas, will become
effective with this fall's hunting seasons. Although the changes will be
detailed in the 2001-2002 Oklahoma Hunting Guide and Regulations, several
focused on providing additional raccoon hunting opportunities at the Deep Fork
and Little River national wildlife refuges, as per a previous agreement with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A complete listing of each rule change will be
posted under the "Hunting" link on the Wildlife Department's website -
www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Also approved by Commissioners at their March meeting were a slate of
fishing regulation changes that will be effective Jan. 1, 2002. A number of the
adopted proposals relate to establishing a joint agreement with Oklahoma City to
cooperatively manage metro-area lakes and rivers, including Lakes Hefner, Draper
and Overholser. An important part of the agreement is to standardize the fishing
regulations on Oklahoma City lakes and other metro-area waters so that both the
Wildlife Department and Oklahoma City can enforce the same rules regarding
fishing. Most of the current regulations covered by city ordinances will remain
unchanged; however, the agreement will liberalize the rules on smallmouth bass
and walleye.

The minimum size limit on smallmouth bass will be reduced from 23 inches to
18 inches and the daily limit on walleye will be increased from three to five.
The Wildlife Commission approved the proposed changes pending acceptance by the
Oklahoma City Council. Other new fishing regulations for 2002 include:

• establishing a 14-inch minimum length limit on black bass at Pine Creek
Reservoir, except there will be no size limit on spotted bass. The previous
protective slot length limit was imposed in 1992 when catch rates for small bass
were high and catch rates for larger bass were low. Since 1995, however, catch
rates for largemouth bass less than 12 inches long have dropped below desirable
levels, which warrants a change to a minimum size limit.

• reducing the minimum size limit on walleye and saugeye at Ft. Cobb
Reservoir from 18 inches to 14 inches, with no change in the daily limit, which
remains five fish. Annual fluctuations in shad density limit saugeye growth
beyond 14 inches, which has led to few anglers catching fish above the statewide
18-inch minimum size limit.

• implementing a six fish per day, no minimum size limit on rainbow trout
in the Mountain Fork River from the re-regulation dam downstream to Hwy. 70. The
area has been designated a trophy area for both rainbows and browns with a
one-fish, 20-inch minimum size limit for both species. However, few rainbow
trout greater than 20 inches have been collected during surveying in this
section of the trout stream, and biologists believe that until summertime water
temperatures in the river are reduced, anglers should be allowed to keep smaller
rainbow trout. The trophy trout regulations (one fish daily limit, 20-inch
minimum size limit) will remain in effect for brown trout.

• increasing the number of rods a person may fish with from five to seven
to comply with state statutes. There are certain exceptions to this regulation,
which are outlined in the 2001 Oklahoma Fishing Guide.

In other business, Commission members voted to accept a bid to lease the
Department's one-quarter mineral interest on a parcel of Department-owned
property in Ellis County, and agreed to accept sealed bids on another proposed
mineral rights lease, this one in Atoka County. Wildlife Division Chief Alan
Peoples reported that increased natural gas prices have led to increased in
interest in gas exploration, which has led to more inquiries regarding mineral
rights on Department-owned areas.

Also at the March meeting, Commissioners voted to enter into a contract with
the State Auditor and Inspector's Office to conduct a management audit of the
Department. A Commission subcommittee consisting of Commissioners Ed Abel, Vyrl
Keeter, Mark Patton and Lewis Stiles will work with State Auditor Clifton Scott
to delineate specific audit areas.

As an informational item, Fisheries Chief Kim Erickson and Information and
Education Chief David Warren told the Commission that Oklahoma has been selected
as one of only four states to pilot a national advertising campaign focused on
increasing fishing, boating and aquatic resource stewardship awareness and
participation. A non-profit organization called the Recreational Boating and
Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is spearheading the first phase of the campaign, which
is aimed at generating top-of-mind awareness about the benefits of fishing and
boating. The RBFF will spend millions of dollars advertising nationally,
including purchasing airtime during the upcoming NCAA basketball championships.
As a pilot state, the Department's campaign will target Norman and Muskogee with
a localized marketing effort to piggyback with the national campaign message:
"Water Works Wonders for Fishing, Boating and the Environment."

Jontie Aldrich, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Tulsa
Office, also provided Commissioners with an informational presentation. Aldrich
outlined the USFWS's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, a habitat
conservation effort that has helped fund numerous projects in Oklahoma. The
Wildlife Department was recognized for its interagency cooperation in helping
achieve the goals of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

Also recognized at the March meeting was Safari Club Inter-national (SCI).
Executive Director Greg Duffy presented Nyle Taylor, Oklahoma Station of SCI,
the Director's Award for the chapter's support of the Sportsmen Against Hunger
Program. Over the past six years, the Oklahoma Station of SCI has, through the
Sportsmen Against Hunger Program, distributed more than 200,000 pounds of
venison to needy individuals. Through these contributions, hunters have helped
provide almost one million meals of high-quality deer meat. Without Safari
Club's support, Duffy said, the program would not have been nearly as
successful.

In his monthly report, Director Duffy reported that a number of fish and
wildlife bills are continuing through the legislative process in the House and
Senate, including several provisions that would provide additional funding for
the agency and protect hunters' and anglers' privileges. Complete details and
current status reports of individual measures can be obtained by logging on to
the Department's website and looking under
www.wildlifedepartment.com/legislation.htm

The Commission's regular April meeting will be held Monday, April 2, at 9
a.m. at the Wildlife Department's headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Spring is a perfect time to get out and enjoy the beauty of Oklahoma's
outdoors. It's also the time to get in on some of the best angling action the
state has to offer.

Before heading out anglers will want to grab a copy of the "2001
Oklahoma Anglers Guide." The informative guide can be found in the
March/April 2001 issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, the official publication of
the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

"The Anglers Guide is always popular with the state's anglers,"
said Nels Rodefeld, Outdoor Oklahoma editor. "It provides electrofishing
results, tournament data, stocking rates and premier destinations for many
popular species. Overall, it is packed with information that every angler can
use in some way.

"The Department's stream management program is also highlighted in this
year's guide. Streams are a very important resource to our anglers and we wanted
to provide them information about the Department's efforts to protect and
improve these resources."

The magazine also features a unique look back into the past. "Hunting
for Our Heritage," uses historical records to show that those who chased
the state's wildlife in the past weren't as conscientious as they are today.

The magazine will also provide insights into the Department's law enforcement
division and Oklahoma's state bird, the Scissortailed Flycatcher. The Off the
Beaten Path section will provide sportsmen with important information and tips
and the Watchable Wildlife Profile features the Double-Crested Cormorant.

Individual copies of the March/April 2001 issue of Outdoor Oklahoma are
available for $3 if picked up at any of the Wildlife Department's offices, or $4
by mail (mail to Outdoor Oklahoma, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105).
One-year subscriptions, which are only $10, are available by calling
1-800-777-0019, or you can order over the Internet by logging on to the
Department's website at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is working to confirm
reports of a 14 pound, .07 ounce, largemouth bass caught late last week in
Broken Bow Lake. We have confirmed the weight of the fish, but have not been
able to contact the angler or confirm reports that he was able to successfully
release the fish. The Department will continue its efforts to contact the
angler, and will have more details available in their news release next week.

Broken Bow Lake produced the current state record largemouth, a 14 pound, 11
ounce fish caught by angler William Cross on March 14, 1999.

Editor's Note:

Beginning March 5, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
implemented a process designed to track fish and wildlife legislation in a more
timely, accurate manner. Under the new system, all active fish and
wildlife-related bills will be listed on the Department's website, and they will
be accompanied by a status description that will be updated immediately upon a
change in status. In other words, if we learn that a bill has passed the House
on Tuesday, its status will be updated that same day. This system is designed to
replace the previous tracking method, which involved issuing a status summary
only at the end of each week.

To find the legislative tracker on our website, go under "Weekly
Wildlife News Service" on the index (first) page. From there, click on
"Legislation Updated Daily." The exact URL is
www.wildlifedepartment.com/legislation.htm

This change is intended to provide everyone with better information, and to
do it more quickly than traditional print methods.

Oklahoma sportsmen still have time to submit their bids on two expeditions
offered for auction by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Sealed
bids can be submitted for a bull elk hunt as well as a fishing package for two
until March 23, 2001.

"Anyone can bid on one or both of these trips and proceeds raised will
help fund fish and wildlife conservation," said Greg Duffy, Director of the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "In the final 21st Century
Deer Stakeholder Committee Report, presented to the Wildlife Conservation
Commission several months ago, committee members recommended using some of the
proceeds to issue a challenge grant to raise funds for the Sportsmen Against
Hunger Program. Depending on the auction results, we may look at bringing the
suggestion before the Commission for their consideration."

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, approved the auction items at
its regular February meeting. One item will be a bull elk hunt on the Cookson
Hills Wildlife Management Area, a rugged 13,650-acre area in northeast
Oklahoma's Ozark country. The expedition will be a guided, three-day hunt and
can take place anytime in September, October or November. The hunter can choose
to hunt with a bow and arrow, muzzleloader or modern riffle.

The other item up for auction is a special fishing package for two that
includes overnight accommodations and guided trips for trophy striped bass,
trophy largemouth bass and Ouachita smallmouth bass. Dates are subject to
availability and scheduling between sportsmen and guides.

Specific accommodations include:

• A June 13, 2001, trophy stripers trip on the lower Illinois River with
guide Delmer Shoults. Lodging will be provided for the night of June 12, at the
MarVal Trout Camp, located on the banks of the lower Illinois trout stream.

• A day of chasing striped bass at Lake Texoma with two Department selected
fishing specialist. Peak surface fishing times are between April 15 and May 15.
Bob's Lake Country Motel, Kingston will provide lodging.

• A one-day largemouth bass trip with trophy bass guide, Chuck Justice, on
one of Oklahoma's most noted trophy bass lakes, McGee Creek. The trip can be
booked anytime, but the best time will be between April and June. Lodging will
be provided by Firefly Hollow.

• A one-day Ouachita smallmouth bass trip on the upper Mountain Fork River
with guide Ethan Wright and a stream management specialist. The trip can be
taken anytime, but prime floating dates are April to June. Whipporwill Cabins,
at Broken Bow will provide lodging. Breakfast will also be provided.

Bidding is open to individuals and organizations and permits may be
transferred one time by the successful bidder. Winning bidders will be notified
by phone on Monday, March 26. Payment must be received 10 days after the
notification.

Landowners can continue to sign-up for the Natural Resources Conservation
Services Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP).

The program provides technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share
assistance to help establish fish and wildlife habitat. Landowners who want to
develop and improve wildlife habitat on their land may sign up for cost-share
assistance through the Program.

"This year's sign-up period for WHIP will be March 5-23," said John
Hendrix, private lands biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. "Those interested in signing up for WHIP need to call their
local Natural Resources Conservation Office. If they aren't for sure which
office to contact or if they have any questions, they can call me at
405/880-0994."

Landowners who sign an agreement are responsible for maintaining the project
for five to 10 years. Conservation practices that may qualify can include
fencing for habitat protection, planting shrubs or trees to develop habitat, or
timber management practices. Other practices that may qualify can include water
facilities improvement, wetland development and improvement, pond fisheries
management, prescribed burning and native grass plantings.

Private landowners play a vital role in conserving wildlife and fisheries
habitat in Oklahoma. WHIP is a very important and popular program for landowners
across the state. It will provide over $1 million in landowner assistance, for
habitat conservation, to Oklahoma land-owners this year.

Spring is just around the corner, and many Oklahoma sportsmen have already
began preparing for the spring turkey season. The most important preparation may
involve taking measures to stay safe while in the field.

"It's never too early to think about safety," said J.D. Peer,
hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation. "Turkey hunting is usually a very safe sport. But, there are
several things turkey hunters should keep in mind while gathering their
equipment in preparation for the season.

"One of the most important items on a turkey hunters list should be
hunter orange garments. Hunters should wear hunter orange as they are entering
or exiting their hunting area, and if they harvest a turkey, they should wrap it
in hunter orange before removing it from the woods."

Peer adds that hunters should avoid any red, white or blue materials while
turkey hunting because they resemble colors of a tom turkey's head. Another
hunter might mistake movement of these colors as a turkey. For this reason,
hunters should never shoot at movement or at sound without positively
identifying their target.

Hunters should keep other safety concerns in mind once finding the spot they
want to hunt. They should choose a position that allows their back to be
protected. Solid cover that is wider than the shoulders and more than head high
is an excellent choice. Another safety measure is to alert other hunters
entering the area by speaking to them in a clear voice.

"Statistically, turkey hunting is four times safer than playing ping
pong," Peer added. "Spring is a great time to be outdoors, and by
taking a few extra safety precautions hunters will enjoy the time they spend in
the field."

Wildlife and fisheries conservation begins with habitat conservation. Habitat
consists of food, water, cover and space, and every species must have
satisfactory amounts of these items in order to survive.

The type, amount and arrangement of habitat needed for wildlife to flourish
will vary from species to species. Wildlife and fisheries managers must
determine what those needs are for each species and the best way to protect,
enhance or create new habitat in order to protect the state's natural resources.

To help fund wildlife conservation, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation created Wildlife Habitat Donor patches and caps which may be
obtained with a small donation to habitat conservation. Those donating $5 will
receive a habitat patch, while those donating $10 will receive a patch and cap.

Wildlife habitat donor patches and caps are often considered collector's
items and are an important source of funding for habitat conservation. The 2001
Oklahoma Wildlife Habitat Donor patch and caps, featuring a pronghorn antelope,
are now available from the Wildlife Department.

Purchases can be made at the Department's headquarters in Oklahoma City and
at its Tulsa Office located at Expo Square in the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Patches and
caps can also be ordered by mail through the Department's Outdoor Store. Caps
ordered through the mail cost $13, which includes shipping and handling.

Outdoor Store order forms may be found in Outdoor Oklahoma magazine and on
the Department's website: www.wildlifedepartment.com. Other orders can be made
by simply sending a check or money order to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation, Attn: Habitat Donor Patches and Caps, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma
City, OK 73105.

Wildlife Department receives state awards
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation was recently honored with several awards from the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society for Professional Journalist.
A total of 7,000 entries were submitted in newspaper, television, radio, magazines, public relations and websites. Professional journalist from three other states judged the entries and awards were presented at an annual banquet held Feb. 24. The Wildlife Department received awards in television, magazine and web sites.

"These awards mean a lot to the Department because the recognition comes from outside the conservation arena," said David Warren, the Department's
Information and Education chief. "The Department is always trying to improve the products and services we provide to the state's sportsmen. We are proud to know we compete well with what others are doing outside the agency."

The Wildlife Department received four awards in all, including a third place finish for its web site. Another award was presented for the Department's magazine, Outdoor Oklahoma. The July/August 2000 issue featuring a readers’ photo showcase took first place honors among magazines for feature photography.

The Department's television program, Outdoor Oklahoma, was recognized as well. It was awarded first place in Videography -- Series/Documentary, for its entry featuring a Glover River float trip. The show also received a second place finish in Special Program/Series or Documentary, for its entry featuring the story of the American bison.

"There are a lot of TV shows, news programs, magazines and websites produced across this state," Warren said. "We are honored that the judges recognized the efforts we put before them."

Conservation Order in full swing
The Oklahoma waterfowl season came to an end in February, but hunters still have a chance to go afield and participate in the special Conservation Order Light Goose Season. The Conservation Order allows hunters the opportunity to harvest snow, blue and Ross' geese through April 1, 2001.

"Light geese are damaging their breeding habitat in the Hudson Bay area," said Mike
O'Meilia, migratory game bird biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "This is a very unique situation for migratory game bird managers. If populations aren't brought under control, they could destroy the fragile tundra ecosystem that they and many other species depend on for breeding habitat.

"The habitat may already be damaged to the point that it will not recover in our lifetime. The Conservation Order offers hunters a great chance to help decrease and manage light goose populations."

Oklahoma hunters can take advantage of unplugged shotguns, extended shooting hours and electronic calls during the Order. Daily bag limits and possession limits have also been removed. All other waterfowl regulations apply during the Conservation Order, including the use of federally approved non-toxic shot.

Traditionally, light geese concentrations are greatest in the eastern third of the state. National Wildlife Refuges and Department owned wetland development units may also attract varying numbers of light geese.

"The hardest part about hunting light geese this time of year may be finding geese," O'Meilia added. "Light goose migrations vary from year to year depending on the conditions. Most geese have over-flown the state the last couple of years, and ended up making stopovers in Kansas and Nebraska instead.

"This isn't any different than any other hunting situation. Scouting is critical. Geese can show up and leave at any time so it may take considerable time and energy to find concentrations. Geese usually congregate to feed on privately-owned wheat fields, so it is very important to get permission from the landowner before hunting as well."

Hunting methods vary, but hunters should remember that light geese are very
social birds, so large decoy spreads may be required. Rag decoys may provide
hunters the number of decoys needed at the smallest expense. Light geese are
extremely vocal as well, so hunters using large spreads might want to consider
using more than one caller.

Hunters may also have success hunting fields without decoys. Geese often use the same field day after day. Hunters who scout a field will learn the direction from which geese are coming and the area of the field in which they prefer to eat. They may then use a fence-row or tarps to hide from approaching geese.

The Wildlife Department must estimate the number of geese harvested in the state
during the Conservation Order and are asking participating hunters to provide
their name, address and phone number. Hunters may sign up by going to the
Department's web-site at www.wildlifedepartment.com or by sending a letter or
postcard to:
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Attn: COLGS, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.